My producer will try again today to arrange for an interview on the New York Times’ decision to run another story publishing classified information relating to the war on terror.

He has often left messages for you with various people around the paper. You have never returned any of the calls.

I believe that since you are confident in the rightness of your judgment in these matters that you ought to be willing to have a civil though extended conversation with a critic of your decision. I am not proposing a debate, but an interview.

If you agree to be interviewed, we will pretape the conversation, play it in its entirety on today’s program, and print a complete and unedited transcript. I think 30 minutes would be sufficient.

You can also respond directly to me at hugh@hughhewitt.com. I am available any time today on 45 minutes notice.

This morning, media reports disclosed the U.S. Government’s use of the SWIFT network in furtherance of its terrorist financing initiative. My initial reaction is one of pride and despair. As a former government official, I was involved in this program. On one hand, I’m proud of the notable work performed and what has been accomplished. On the other hand, I’m disappointed and concerned that the media felt compelled to run another story that undermines National Security in the fight on terrorism by disrupting and diminishing an important investigative tool.

UPDATE 2:

Mr. Keller’s assistant informs us that he is on vacation and cannot be reached.

Right.

Trying now for the New York Times ombudsman. Or the reporters in question. Or any New York Times reporter who is willing to try and explain the paper’s action. hugh@hughhewitt.com

My favorite e-mail thus far:

If Mr. Keller agrees to be interviewed, please tell him that I need to know why I need to know counterterrorism tactics. I have few needs, and fewer needs to know, and this doesn’t seem to fall into that category.